CHAPTER XXXIX
STAIRS.

ALL the stairs used by patients should be made of iron or other fire-proof materials, firmly secured to the walls; they should be ample in number, convenient of access, and easy of ascent and descent. Slate will be found the best material for this purpose, as it neither becomes slippery like iron, nor wears to an appreciable extent, as is the case with much of the marble that is used. They should be so arranged as not to be exposed in any ward. The stairs for the centre building will generally be best placed in the transverse corridors. These are the only ones that it is justifiable to have made of wood. Neither in the wards nor elsewhere should the treads or risers be made with open work, on account of dust or water falling through, when they are being cleansed. The wells around which they are placed, may be made fine ventilating shafts, or they may be used as hat closets, etc. The most convenient form of stairs, as tested by my experience, and which is believed to have all the characteristics just referred to as desirable, will be shown in the illustrations.